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Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs to create new verbs with different meanings.

B1Verbs & Verb Patterns

Rule

A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb to make a new verb with a different meaning.

Rule

    • A phrasal verb is made by adding a preposition (a word like 'in', 'on', 'at') or an adverb (a word like 'up', 'down', 'away') to a verb (a doing word).

Usage

    • We use phrasal verbs to express actions in a more informal way.
    • They can be used to add nuance to our language, making it more interesting and varied.
    • Phrasal verbs can also help us to be more precise and clear in our communication.

Examples

  • I'm going to pick up my sister from the airport.
  • The company will set up a new office in London.
  • Can you turn off the lights when you leave?
  • The kids ran away when they saw the dog.
  • The teacher asked the students to hand in their homework.
  • The tourists got lost in the city.

Common Mistakes

  • Wrong: I go to pick my sister. Correct: I go to pick up my sister.
  • Wrong: The company will setup a new office. Correct: The company will set up a new office.
  • Wrong: Can you turn the lights off? Correct: Can you turn off the lights?.

Tip

Try to learn phrasal verbs in context, rather than just memorizing a list. Read and listen to English as much as possible to see how native speakers use them.
Quick check
What does the phrasal verb 'pick up' mean in the sentence 'I picked up my sister from the airport.'?

Where this matters in your exam

Phrasal verbs are often used in IELTS Writing and Speaking tests to assess vocabulary range and grammar accuracy.

  • Writing Task 2

    Use phrasal verbs to add variety to your writing.